Spotlight on post-natal depression

A Nelson mum says that after her baby was born, all she wanted was ‘‘to put her down, walk out the door, and not come back’’.

Charlotte Zohrab, 33, spoke about her battle with perinatal depression at the third annual Port Nelson Mums Meet Mums event, held at Founders Heritage Park on Saturday.

About 100 mothers and mothers-to-be were treated to high tea, spot prizes, pamper stations and ‘‘speed dating’’, all designed to create a community of Nelson mums while raising money for Nelson’s postnatal support charity.

Zohrab shared her story of dealing with depression and anxiety after her baby was born, in an effort to raise awareness about the struggles mothers can face, and to help other mums feel less alone in their battles. ‘‘I felt numb,’’ she said. ‘‘You have a baby and you’re supposed to be overjoyed and love and bond with your baby, and I felt numb.’’

She said she had questioned what was wrong with her.

Eventually, she shared her struggle with both her parents and her midwife, and they referred her to the Postnatal Support Network.

‘‘They are honestly an amazing organisation, amazing angels in our community and they don’t get enough recognition for what they do,’’ she said.

Since sharing her story, Zohrab said, she had had women come to her with similar stories of the anxiety and depression that could arrive with a new baby. But she herself was out the other side. ‘‘I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, and I do credit that to the Postnatal Support Net- work and the skills they taught me to help me to overcome my anxiety.

‘‘You know, they didn’t just teach me to be a good mum, they taught me that I’m a good person.’’

Mums Meet Mums organiser Rachel Eggers said Perinatal Support Nelson (previously Post Natal Support Network) was a critical service in the Nelson Tasman region, offering local mothers up to 10 free counselling sessions.

While the subject matter was heavy at times, Saturday’s event also provided an opportunity to celebrate the blessing it was to be a mother, she said.

‘‘There are women who would probably have loved to be in this room but who can’t be here.’’